CLIMATE

The weather varies throughout New Zealand by region and by season. The average high in Christchurch in October is 17°C and the average low is 6°C.

CURRENCY & COSTS

The currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Click here for more information.

ELECTRICITY

New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and uses angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia and parts of Asia).

GOODS & SERVICES TAX

Goods and Services in New Zealand are subject to a 15% tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price and if not, it is clearly stated. This tax cannot be claimed back by visitors, when leaving the country.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA)

We enjoy welcoming visitors to New Zealand. To ensure you have an experience to remember, make sure you've done your homework and have everything sorted before you leave.

When you arrive, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.

From 1 October 2019, visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand.

Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date. If you come from a country that needs a New Zealand visa to enter, please be sure to apply in advance.

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

A New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, or

A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay up to six months), or

A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.

TIME ZONE

New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Click here for more information.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to New Zealand and to protect against cancellation charges, loss or damage to your luggage and personal effects, loss of cash and medical expenses.